Symptoms of Addiction

Often referred to as “alcoholic, addict, or compulsive,” individuals who experience behaviors in which they struggle to control may have a treatable, mental health issue known as addiction.

Addiction affects a person’s body and mind. Addiction can include problematic substance use (drug and/or alcohol use) or other addictive behaviors such as food addiction, gambling, sex addiction, or internet addiction. With any of these types of addictions, the addicted individual may have underlying reasons or issues which contributed to the creation of the substance use or the addictive behavior and which continue to trap them in the cycle of addiction. The cycle can be attributed to past trauma, stress, or mental health issues. This is why addiction counseling is so important; to not only address the addictive behavior but also to find and treat the root cause(s) of the behavior.

Symptoms include:

• Intense cravings for the substance or behavior.  Characterized by such a strong urge to use the substance or engage in the behavior that the person cannot think of anything else.
• Difficulty controlling the use of the substance or behavior. Characterized by taking the substance or engaging in the behavior in larger amounts or over a longer period than was intended.
• Continuing to use the substance or engage in the behavior despite negative consequences. 
• Increased tolerance. Needing more of the substance or behavior to achieve the same effect.
• Failed attempts to stop or reduce using the substance or engaging in the behavior.
• Withdrawal symptoms. When the substance or behavior stops or reduces; symptoms vary depending on which substance or behavior is involved. It is important to note though that withdrawal does not have to be present for a behavior to be an addiction.
• Spending a significant amount of time using or planning to use the substance or engaging in the behavior or planning to do so. This includes experiencing the obsession to use the substance or engaging in the behavior and/or recovering from using the substance or engaging in the behavior.
• Neglecting responsibilities and relationships due to using the substance or behavior. Characterized by a failure to fulfill work, school, and/or home responsibilities, continuing to use or engage in the behavior despite interpersonal relationships being negatively impacted by the use/behavior.
• Giving up other activities or hobbies in favor of the substance or behavior.
• Legal and/or financial problems due to the substance use or behavior.

Addiction Counseling

Addiction counseling focuses on helping you overcome addictive behaviors. In addition to drug and alcohol use, other addictive behavior includes food addiction, gambling, sex addiction, and internet addiction, to name a few. The goals of addiction counseling are to help uncover the root cause(s) that may have led to the addictive behavior, to develop coping strategies, and to make positive changes.

During therapy, individuals will explore their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors related to the addiction and work with the counselor to develop a personalized treatment plan. Relapse prevention is another tool utilized to help individuals avoid or minimize the risk of relapse (a return to use/behavior). Relapse prevention involves identifying triggers that are high-risk situations and/or behaviors that may lead to relapse, developing coping skills to deal with these challenges, and building a supportive recovery network. 

If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, it is important to seek help. Addiction is a complex condition that requires professional intervention and support from family and friends. Addiction counseling can provide the tools needed to achieve lasting recovery.